How does the theme "knowledge versus ignorance" present itself in the novella "The Pearl" by John Steinbeck?

Consider the priest, the Father, who knows the theology and doctrine of Christianity but does not know how to apply them to real life. Instead of pity and compassion, greed overtakes him, as well as ambition. If he secures a large donation for the Church, he will be viewed with favor in terms of promotion within the clergy. It is all head knowledge, rather than heart knowledge. He knows what to say to present himself as a man of God, yet in reality he is a man of the flesh, of himself. This is reflected in Kino’s lack of acceptance of Christianity. He prays to God or the gods, he states, whichever one “works.” This reflects the failure of the priest to lead a man to salvation.